11/02/2011 12:08:00 pm -
Reported by
Marcus

BBC Television celebrates its seventy-fifth birthday today.

The world's first regular television service began broadcasting from Alexandra Palace in north London on the 2nd November 1936. Dispute a six year interruption to broadcasts due to World War II, the Palace was the main home to BBC Television for the next 20 years, where the output included such pioneering science fiction shows as The Quatermass Experiment, a drama which was transmitted live on Saturday nights in 1953.

By the time Doctor Who was conceived in 1963 the BBC had relocated most of its operations to West London using facilities, such as the studios at Lime Grove, originally owned by the Gaumont Film Company, and where the first episode of Doctor Who was recorded, and the purpose built Television Centre.

The Palace featured heavily in the 2006 story, The Idiot's Lantern which included the Doctor climbing the famous TV mast in an attempt to thwart the plans of The Wire.

To mark the anniversary Alexander Palace is holding two open days this weekend. Visitors will be able to tour the original studios and experience 30's food in the canteen. The event runs from 11am – 4.30pm on both 5 and 6 November. Entry is free, but anyone wishing to take a tour of the BBC studios needs to call 0208 365 4321 to secure a timed ticket.